Hyangilam

Description:

• Originally a small mountain-top hermitage, Hyangilam is now a turtle-themed temple complex with shrines and other associated buildings. There are 291 steps up to the temple, where you'll get a spectacular view of the ocean. It is said that if make a wish watching the sunrise from here on New Year's morning, your wish will come true. Superstitions aside, the sunrise on any day is quite spectacular and arriving in time to catch it is a great way to beat the busloads of tourists who arrive in the afternoon. Don't bother waiting for the free shuttle bus (especially when they take their lunch break from noon-1pm), because it's just a short ride to the foot of Impo Village, where you'll have to pass a gauntlet of ajumma trying to sell you got (mustard) kimchi. You'll have to walk the difficult part uphill anyway. There are plenty of small motels in the village if you want to catch the sunrise in the morning.

• © Frommer's 2013

Awards:

Frommer's

•  Very Highly Recommended 2010